AutoTrader Ceasing Print Version

Trader Media Group (TMG) has confirmed it will cease publication of the print version of Auto Trader as part of a move which will see it withdraw from all print media next month.

Other print titles affected by the strategic move are Top Marques, Truck and Plant, Van Trader and Farm Trader with a loss of 150 jobs across TMG’s regional print operations.

The announcement follows TMG pulling the plug on the print versions of Bike Trader in November 2012 and its B2B Dealer Update magazine in March 2013.

TMG said all its titles will continue online.

The weekly Auto Trader was launched in 1977 as a classified magazine for dealers and private sellers to advertise used cars. However, with increasing competition from classified websites, including Auto Trader’s market dominating online service, which attracts 11 million unique users a month, its circulation has fallen from a peak of 368,000 in January 2000 to 27,000 in March 2013.

The final issue will be published on 28 June 2013 and will be available as a collector’s edition with a five page front cover pull out featuring the most popular cars from the last 36 years. A limited digital edition, featuring video content, will also be available on autotrader.co.uk in June.

“Trader Media Group’s magazines have played a key role in the group’s 36 year heritage and we are very proud of the market position our brands have achieved during that period,” said Zillah Byng Maddick, TMG’s interim CEO.

“With a marked shift by consumers and dealers to online platforms as a means of accessing information and buying and selling vehicles, we continue to innovate to ensure that we offer them the products and services they require through their channels of choice.”